The 191st Oktoberfest begins September 19, featuring new AI-driven crowd monitoring and security upgrades to manage the expected 6 million visitors.

Oktoberfest returns to Munich's Theresienwiese on Saturday, September 19, 2026, opening with the traditional keg-tapping ceremony. This year's festival, the 191st iteration of the event, runs through October 4. Organizers expect over 6 million attendees at the site, which spans 34.5 hectares. To address overcrowding issues experienced last year, the city has implemented a new security plan involving AI-based flow analysis and additional surveillance.

Security and Crowd Management

The city of Munich has installed 26 new cameras to supplement the 56 existing police cameras monitoring the festival grounds. An AI system will now track visitor density to issue alerts if areas become dangerously crowded. Additionally, 600 police officers will be deployed on-site, and a new coordination center has been established to improve communication between security agencies and organizers. Officials have also developed a strategy to manage drones over the area.

Visitor Demographics and Traditions

Despite its international reputation, the festival remains a regional event, with 75% of visitors in 2025 originating from Bavaria. International guests accounted for 21% of the total, with Americans representing the largest group at nearly 20% of international attendees, followed by Italians at over 13%. Traditional fairground culture, which makes up 90% of the festival's operators, was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2026.

Pricing and Logistics

A 1-liter mug of beer, known as a Mass, is priced between €14.80 and €15.90 this year. While water is available at free fountains, a liter of table water costs €11 at vendors. The festival remains largely cash-based, though ATMs are available on the grounds. Cannabis is strictly prohibited throughout the festival area.